I first sent Christmas cards in college. I'd carefully choose a card that I felt represented my spirit, my style, my sensibilities. In each, I'd pen a note, simple maybe, but personal to each person on the list. I'd hand address each envelope, too.
Time passes. The list grows. I receive more cards from more people, and I add those people to my list.
The personal note has not lasted. I still write, "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays" or something at least a little different (hardly) from the pre-printed message, but I feel a pang of guilt with each scribble. Why did the note go by the wayside? Because of the length of the list? Maybe, but I'm inclined to think it's because most of the cards I get have no note. They have the family's names (written by the same hand) below the preprinted bit. The whole Christmas card thing is starting to feel...more like business and less like the meaningful communications I started with years ago.
All right. For the sake of argument (with myself) I'm going to alter my perspective from that of pained Christmas card writer to Christmas card receiver. We get cards from all sorts of folks--family, close friends, acquaintances, lobbyists, the electric company. How do I feel when I receive these cards? Let's see. I enjoy the images. I do. I take a moment to look at each one (even from the utilities people). Maybe that's because I've always put thought into the cards I choose to send. If there's a note, I'm thrilled. If the card is just signed, that's ok, I still feel happy to see it. If there is a typed up "Christmas Letter" and I am fond of/close to the sender, I read the note happily. If I am not close to the sender (note lobbyists in list above) I don't give the letter much time. It goes right into the recycle bin. What else? I love getting pictures of family/friends/their kids. I may not save them forever, but I'm happy to see them.
Ok then. So considering all of the above, it seems I should keep sending my cards, weak scribble and all, and I'm maybe on to something by sticking Abby's photo in.
So what was the point of this post? No point. Thinking through writing. To an audience (Hi, Mom!) Actually, I guess it made me feel better about the cards I'm sending. It was a good reminder to myself to look at things from different perspectives. And now I'd better finish the cards!
4 comments:
We've been doing the holiday letter. Although some consider it a copout, it's also a good way for us to fill in the blanks for folks whom we don't see nearly often enough.
And I must say, the renewed blogging interest is very nice. Keep it up!
Mel reminded me that you were here and I'm happy to see you writing again. A tip for moms -- if you make a smoothie out of yogurt and bananas that are about to be too ripe, freeze the leftovers in an icecube tray, and you have "ice cream" that is appropriate for a toddler to eat for breakfast, when they are at an age to not really question your nomenclature. Enjoy.
Mel sent me, too. It's good to see you back posting.
I second Abby's "why?" It's milk, maybe eggs (French vanilla) and possibly fruit or protein (nuts). Why is that different than scrambled eggs?
tip o' the hat to dr. mel...you're back!
must keep up with ENA photos...she is a beautiful little girl!
congrats to phil on making majority senate leader!
and a HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all in your household!
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